Can beginners keep small animals?

Hamsters and guinea pigs are relatively easy to care for and popular with beginners. Rabbits and chinchillas are also tame-friendly; choose gentle individuals for a smooth start.

How much do small animals cost?

Hamsters cost 1,000-3,000 yen, rabbits 10,000-50,000 yen, guinea pigs 5,000-15,000 yen, chinchillas 30,000-80,000 yen, and hedgehogs 15,000-40,000 yen depending on species.

How long do small animals live?

Hamsters live 2-3 years, rabbits 7-12 years, guinea pigs 5-7 years, chinchillas 15-20 years, hedgehogs 3-5 years, and ferrets 6-10 years.

What supplies do small animals need?

Basics include a cage, bedding, food dish, water bottle, and a hideout. Depending on species, you may also need a wheel (hamsters), chew sticks (rabbits), or a dust bath (chinchillas).

What should I check when buying small animals?

Look for a shiny coat, active behavior, clear eyes and nose, and a clean rear. Getting parent information and temperament details from the breeder is reassuring.

Small Animal Encyclopedia — 78 Species Directory

Encyclopedia of popular small animal species with care guides, traits, and pricing.

Featured Small Animal

Peruvian Guinea Pig Roborovski Hamster Flemish Giant Californian Rabbit

All Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Gentle Active Social Small Nocturnal Lop-eared Affectionate Exotic Many colors Large Curly coat Long-haired Long-lived Intelligent Marsupial

Showing 10 of 78 species

Abyssinian Guinea Pig

Cavia porcellus

Beginner

Distinctive guinea pig with rosettes (swirled fur patterns) all over the body. Active and curious personality.

Beginner-friendlyRosettesActive

Belgian Hare

Oryctolagus cuniculus

Advanced

Athletic rabbit resembling a wild hare with a lean body and rich chestnut coat. Very active and best suited for experienced owners.

AdvancedActiveHigh exercise needs

Dwarf Hotot Rabbit

Oryctolagus cuniculus

Beginner

Small rabbit with distinctive black eyeliner markings on white fur. Active, curious, and popular for its compact size.

Beginner-friendlySmallEyeliner markings

Harlequin Rabbit

Harlequin rabbit

Beginner

Unique rabbit with distinctly different colors on each side. Clown-like color patterns with a bright, sociable personality.

MediumUnique patternSociable

Lionhead Rabbit

Oryctolagus cuniculus

Intermediate

Distinctive lion-like mane of fur around the head. Active, friendly small rabbit growing in popularity for its unique look.

IntermediateManedActive

Mini Satin Rabbit

Oryctolagus cuniculus

Intermediate

Miniature version of the Satin Rabbit with the same lustrous coat in a compact size. Lively and curious with many color varieties.

SmallSatin coatActive

Russian Dwarf Hamster

Beginner

General term for small dwarf hamster varieties. Active and curious with multiple color variations. Compact and adorable.

Beginner-friendlySmallActive

Sheba Mini Yak Guinea Pig

Intermediate

Australian rosette guinea pig with a shaggy yak-like coat. Active and curious with a uniquely charming unkempt appearance.

Shaggy coatAustralian originActive

Siberian Chipmunk

Siberian chipmunk

Advanced

Small striped squirrel with beautiful back markings. Active and fast-moving, entertaining to watch. May become aggressive in autumn/winter.

AdvancedStripedActive

Tan Rabbit

Oryctolagus cuniculus

Intermediate

Beautiful two-tone rabbit with dark upper body and tan underside. Active and energetic medium-sized breed.

IntermediateTwo-tone colorActive

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Small Animal FAQ

Can beginners keep small animals?: Hamsters and guinea pigs are relatively easy to care for and popular with beginners. Rabbits and chinchillas are also tame-friendly; choose gentle individuals for a smooth start.
How much do small animals cost?: Hamsters cost 1,000-3,000 yen, rabbits 10,000-50,000 yen, guinea pigs 5,000-15,000 yen, chinchillas 30,000-80,000 yen, and hedgehogs 15,000-40,000 yen depending on species.
How long do small animals live?: Hamsters live 2-3 years, rabbits 7-12 years, guinea pigs 5-7 years, chinchillas 15-20 years, hedgehogs 3-5 years, and ferrets 6-10 years.
What supplies do small animals need?: Basics include a cage, bedding, food dish, water bottle, and a hideout. Depending on species, you may also need a wheel (hamsters), chew sticks (rabbits), or a dust bath (chinchillas).
What should I check when buying small animals?: Look for a shiny coat, active behavior, clear eyes and nose, and a clean rear. Getting parent information and temperament details from the breeder is reassuring.